Cullenwaine

Detached three-bay two-storey split-level house, extant 1886, on a T-shaped plan centred on single-bay single-storey gabled advanced porch to ground floor abutting single-bay full-height projecting end bay; single-bay (three- or four-bay deep) two-storey return (north). Occupied, 1911. For sale, 2016. Hipped and pitched slate roofs on a T-shaped plan; pitched (gabled) slate roof (porch), clay ridge tiles, rendered chimney stacks having stepped capping supporting terracotta tapered pots, and cast-iron rainwater goods on slightly overhanging timber boarded eaves having timber consoles retaining cast-iron downpipes with cast-iron rainwater goods (north) on rendered eaves retaining cast-iron downpipes. Part creeper- or ivy-covered rendered, ruled and lined walls on rendered chamfered plinth. Tudor-headed central door opening approached by two cut-granite steps with concealed dressings framing timber panelled double doors having overlight. Square-headed window opening (first floor) with cut-granite sill, and concealed dressings framing one-over-one timber sash window. Square-headed window openings in bipartite arrangement with cut-granite sills, timber mullions, and concealed dressings framing one-over-one timber sash windows. Square-headed window openings (north) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing one-over-one timber sash windows. Interior including (ground floor): central hall retaining carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors, moulded plasterwork cornice to ceiling, staircase on a dog leg plan with turned timber "spindle" balusters supporting carved timber banister terminating in volute, carved timber surround to window opening to half-landing, and carved timber surrounds to door openings to landing framing timber panelled doors centred on carved timber surround to window opening; drawing room (west) retaining carved timber surround to door opening framing timber panelled door, chimneypiece, and picture railing below moulded plasterwork cornice to ceiling; dining room (east) retaining carved timber surround to door opening framing timber panelled door, round-headed alcoves centred on chimneypiece, and plasterwork cornice to ceiling; and carved timber surrounds to door openings to remainder framing timber panelled doors. Set in landscaped grounds with steel girder piers to perimeter having shallow plate capping supporting flat iron "sunburst" gate.

A house representing an important component of the mid nineteenth-century domestic built heritage of south County Dublin with the architectural value of the composition, one erected on a site leased (1859) by William Wellington Bentley (d. 1896), confirmed by such attributes as the compact plan form centred on a restrained "medieval" doorcase; the diminishing in scale of the bipartite openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression with the principal "apartments" or reception rooms defined by polygonal bay windows; and the timber work embellishing a slightly oversailing split-level roofline. Having been well maintained, the elementary form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior where contemporary joinery; restrained chimneypieces; and sleek plasterwork refinements, all highlight the artistic potential of a house having historic connections with the Elvery family including William Elvery; and his daughters the artists Lady Beatrice Moss Campbell (née Elvery) (1880-1970; cf. 60260180); and Dorothy Moss Kay (née Elvery) (1886-1964).